September 22nd, 2021

Jimmy “Jim” Ray Anderson
Jimmy “Jim” Ray Anderson, 75, of Deer Lodge, Montana, was called to his heavenly home on Sept. 11, 2021. Although we mourn the loss of him here on earth, we have abiding peace knowing he is with our Lord and Savior.
Jim was born to Harold and Opal Anderson on June 15, 1946, in Sioux City, Iowa. After graduating high school from Spring Branch in Katy, Texas, and attending one year at Stephen F. Austin, he chased his dream of the big outdoors and moved to Missoula, Montana, where he studied wildlife biology at the University of Montana. He continued his education by getting his teaching credentials and a master’s in education. Jim met and married the love of his life, Edee, while attending UM. Jim arrived in Deer Lodge, Montana, when he accepted a teaching position in 1971.
Jim was an active member of the Deer Lodge community for over 50 years. He taught Science at E.F. DuVall Jr. High School for 29 years, coaching junior high basketball, football, wrestling and track for many of those years. Some of Jim’s coaching highlights included coaching the Lady Warden junior varsity basketball team and the early years of junior high football. He was always excited for the football season to start in the fall. His love and commitment to coaching would often lead him to icing a sore knee or shoulder from pushing himself to keep up with his young athletes.
Jim also showed devotion to the community by serving on the city council from 1990 to 2000 and serving one term as president at St. John Lutheran Church and president of the Thrivent Chapter. He served our country in the National Guard for 10 years and spent 10 years in the Reserves. He also was an active member and officer of the Montana Trappers Association.
Jim had a huge love for hunting, fishing, trapping and golfing. You would often find him out early on the golf course, trimming or watering trees before getting his 18 holes in. If he wasn’t on the golf course, he would be tending to his yard, trapping a rancher’s pesky beaver or having a beer with his best friend Bud while planning his next big hunting adventure.
Jim was someone who always had to keep himself busy. He was never one who would sit in one place for very long time. Even after he retired as a schoolteacher, he kept himself busy by taking a teaching job at a state facility, substitute teaching when needed, becoming a real estate agent and traveling throughout the country to visit his five kids and four grandkids. Whenever he went to visit family there was always the conversation of, “Ok, what jobs do we have to keep Dad busy while he’s here?” He was always willing to help with whatever tasks were planned for him.
Christian faith and devotion to Jesus Christ was a paramount part of his Jim’s life. He made it clear that death was not only about him, but it is about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He wanted two words to be remembered in his passing: “Joy” and “Celebration.” He did not want there to be tears of sadness but more tears of happiness because we would be celebrating his life with Jesus. The highlight of Jim’s week during his last few years at home was attending Bible study with the Deer Lodge Men’s Bible Study group on Wednesday mornings.
Jim is survived by his wife Edee Anderson; his brother Tom Anderson; his children Sarah (Chip Hedrick), Cynthia (Sam Morehouse), Josh (Carrie Anderson), Danita (Cort Roseleip) and Mariah (Kyle Surratt); grandchildren Emry, Raef, Josie and Arlo; and honorary family member Ostin Warren. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Opal Anderson; and his twin sister Judy.
We would like to give a huge thank you to the community of Deer Lodge for taking extra time to help Jim and Edee during his long battle with Lewy body dementia. We truly could not have done it without your care and support. We would especially like to thank St. John Lutheran Church and the Deer Lodge Men’s Bible Study group; Jerry Roseleip for the countless hours he spent helping, taking Jim places, and visiting with Jim; and Mary Newman who helped with his home care.
Jim’s memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church. Jim requested that his family have a BIG party to celebrate his trip home to reside with his savior Jesus Christ. Details on both will be forthcoming. Donations in memory of Jim can be given to St. John Lutheran Church, the Montana Trappers Association or Gift of Hope-Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center.

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Dale Lee Filcher
We lost the head of our family, Dale Lee Filcher, on Aug. 28, 2021.
He was born and raised in Stevensville, Montana, with five brothers and two younger sisters.
After graduating high school, Dale joined the Army for one term. He married Betty J. Filcher in 1960 and they had one son, Mike Filcher.
Dale worked as a signal maintainer for 40 years until he retired and then he settled in Deer Lodge with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Plans for a service will be in the future sometime. Dale will be missed by all. Condolences may be paid at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

​Ruth Ann Fortner
Ruth Ann Fortner, a long-time resident of Anaconda, Montana, passed away on June 13, 2021, at the age of 73.
Ruth is survived by her children: Dennis Fortner and his wife Christina; Wendy Uden and her husband John. 
She is survived by her grandchildren Nichole Brustad and Ashley Sabot; her great grandchildren Logan and Emerson Brustad; and brothers Joe and Robert Prosenick. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Mavis and Cindy Fortner; and brothers-in-law Dennis and Roger Fortner; along with many nieces and nephews.
Ruth Fortner was born in Philipsburg, Montana, on Sept. 5, 1947, to Wilhelmina (Grandma Billie) and Mr. Therriault. She was sister to Sonny, Joe, Darlene, Betty and Bobby. Ruth attended Anaconda High School. After high school, she married Melvin Fortner in 1967. Ruth worked for the Anaconda Police Department as a dispatcher for several years, later moving to Anaheim, California, to work as a dispatcher for the Anaheim Police Department. She later retired from Anaheim PD and moved back to Anaconda to enjoy her retirement years.
Ruth enjoyed being with family and friends. Her hobbies were cross-stitch, puzzle books, video games and chatting with all her social media friends.
Ruth was a person who enjoyed helping people whenever needed. She was always there for family and friends.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sept. 25, 2021, at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home on 107 Oak Street in Anaconda, Montana. 
There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in Ruth’s name. Condolences may be paid at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

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​Karen Leona Haubbert
Karen Leona Haubbert, 64, went to her heavenly home on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, after a long battle with diabetes.
Karen was born on Dec. 17, 1956, in Sacramento, California, and adopted by Neil Zimmerman and Arlene Ebhmen. Her family moved around a lot, and she ended up graduating from South San Francisco High School in 1975 in San Francisco, California.
After taking a road trip to see the Northwest, she passed through Deer Lodge, Montana, and loved the town so much she eventually moved there. She worked as a receptionist for Dr. Thomas Rachie, as a preparation associate at Pizza Hut and finally in the administrative support records Section or the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles until her employment ended due to health problems.
Karen married the love of her life, Ron Haubbert, on Oct. 21, 1999. She was very passioniate about everything she took on, from crocheting baby quilts for a number of friends to crocheting hats, gloves and scarves for military personnel overseas.
Karen is survived by her husband Ron Haubbert; brother Roger (LuAnn) Zimmerman; nephew Derrick Zimmerman; nieces Kirstie Zimmerman and Kendra Zimmerman; and her beloved pets Lunna, Bella and Trooper.
Cremation has taken place and Karen will be buried next to her mother and father in Sterling, Nebraska, on Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made out to PAWHS in Deer Lodge, Montana. 
The family of Karen wish to thank the staff of Deer Lodge Medical Center and Benefis Health System in Great Falls, Montana, for services rendered.

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​Joseph “Evan” Johnston
Joseph “Evan” Johnston, 53, of Deer Lodge passed away on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. Evan was born on Aug. 11, 1968, in Deer Lodge to Joe and Judy Johnston.
Evan was a standout three-sport athlete for Powell County High School (Class of 1987). He received many awards and achievements, including a track scholarship to Jamestown College, where he met the love of his life, Dana. They were married Aug. 26, 1989, in Bridger, Montana. In 1991, he came back to the family ranch where he worked with his great uncle Robert Evans and his father Joe. Shortly after, the couple was greeted with two lovely children, Kylie Nicole and Ethan Joseph.
Evan was an exceptional rancher, farmer and man of authentic character who would always lend a helping hand to a neighbor. He was very proud to say that the 2 Bar Ranch was one of the first thousand members of the American Simmental Association, and Evan worked to consistently improve the genetics of his herd through AI and the bulls that he raised. He improved the working efficiency of the ranch by improving irrigation; updating buildings and cattle facilities; and many other aspects of the 2 Bar Ranch. Evan enjoyed working cows and traveling to team ropings alongside his family. He also enjoyed starting colts, riding through pairs in the high country, traveling to horse sales, and the occasional fishing trip. 
He was a civic-minded man who was on numerous committees which included: the Rocky Mountain Stockgrowers Association, the 4-H Market Committee, the Powell County High School Board, the St. John Lutheran Church Council. He was also a volunteer fireman with the Race Track Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by his father Joe, his great uncle Robert, and his father-in-law Don Goodman.
He is survived by his mother Judy; his wife of 32 years, Dana; daughter Kylie (Tayber) Goff; son Ethan (Marlee) Johnston; and sisters Kari (Allan) Labbe, Janet (Ed) Janney and Elaine (Mark) Taylor. Evan is also survived by mother-in-law Gloria Goodman, sister-in-law Dawn (Chris) Hagan, brother-in-law Donald Goodman Jr. and numerous nieces, nephews and very close family friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a committee or foundation of your choice.
A memorial service celebrating Evan’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at 45 Barn, 50 Highway 12, East, Garrison, Montana. A reception will follow. 
As per Evan’s request, please refrain from wearing black. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Evan.

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​Jim Shafford
Jim Shafford, 62, passed away Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at the home he shared with longtime companion and partner Patricia Davis in Lost Creek. Jim was born in Deer Lodge on Jan. 23, 1959, to Laura (Lorello) and Elwood Shafford. He was the fifth of eight children and was raised in the Deer Lodge Valley.
Throughout his life Jim worked as a seismographer and an over-the-road flatbed truck driver, allowing him to travel the country. At times, he disliked getting in that semi and traveling all those miles — that just meant less miles he could be putting on his Harley. Not only was Jim an exceptional rider, but he could also fix “them old” Harleys on the fly. It was not uncommon for him to carry around an extra set of points for the old “knucklehead.” Don’t kid yourself, he could also tear those bikes down to the frame and rebuild them.
Jim was smart, kind soul who had a heart of gold. His tremendous enthusiasm and love for the open road will surely be missed by all he encountered. Jim will be missed most by those who never had the chance to completely know him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Elwood and Laura Shafford; brothers Jerry, Jack, John and Billy Shafford; and niece Jodi Shafford.
Jim is survived by his two sons Justin (Christina) Shafford and Jeffrey (Shannon) Shafford; brothers Joe and Jed (Karrie) Shafford; sister Susie (Marty) Mavrinac; grandchildren Skyler Knuchel, Delaney (Ty) Pocha, Savannah Shafford, Logan Schlueter, Jace, Riley and Jesse Shafford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place with the assistance of Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Anaconda. At this time, the family is grateful for the condolences but is declining flowers and donations. A memorial or celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Condolences may be paid at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

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Margaret (Marge) Beck Shandy
Margaret (Marge) Beck Shandy, age 94 of Helena, passed away Sept. 12, 2021.
Marge was born on Aug. 20, 1927, in Deer Lodge, Montana, to Margaret (O’Keefe) Beck and Peter L. Beck. She was the second child of four siblings.
Marge spent her early years living with her family on various ranches at Beck Hill, Helmsville and Finn Valley. She attended school in Finn through the eighth grade. The family then moved to Deer Lodge, where she attended high school and graduated from Powell County High School with the class of 1945.
On Aug. 9, 1945, Marge married Russell M. Shandy in Butte, Montana. Marge and Russ lived in Deer Lodge where Russ worked for the Milwaukee Railroad and Marge worked as a clerk at Safeway, IGA and the Coast-to-Coast Store. In 1961, they purchased a little ranch on Racetrack Creek where they continued to raise their three children. In 1973, with the family grown and gone, they sold the ranch and moved into Deer Lodge. Between 1973 and 1982, they lived in Challis, Idaho; Havre, Montana; and Livingston, Montana. In 1982 they returned to Deer Lodge.
In 1983, Russ passed away and Marge moved to Helena to be near her family. She worked at the Florence Crittenton Home and then as a senior companion. In 1998, Marge returned to Deer Lodge where she managed the Meadows Apartments, working until she was 80 years young.
 In 2009 she once more returned to Helena for health reasons.
Marge was an excellent seamstress. There were always new dresses for holidays, school and proms. She was a wonderful cook who could make a great dinner out of what she had on hand. Marge enjoyed visits with family and friends, which often turned into a card party or visits with much laughter and stories. She loved raising sheep and had many pet cows and lambs. She was a hard worker, and Marge’s laughter was infectious.
The great joy of Marge’s life were her grandchildren, all three generations. They were all “special” and loved by her. She took great pride in teaching them to Indian leg wrestle, fish and play a good game of cards or a board game. She also taught them all to laugh and left each generation with many “Gramma Marge” stories. In return, they loved her and were very caring and thoughtful of her.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents Maggie and Pete; her husband Russ; son Rich, their infant son, brother Charles Beck; sisters Rita Morgan and Helen Hallingstad; her brothers-in-law Tom Morgan and Duane Hallingstad; sisters-in-law Rhea Beck and Carla Beck; and son in-law Pete Horton.
Marge is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Lin and Jim Quigley and Deb Horton; her sister Barbara (Jim) Weis; her 13 grandchildren; her 22 great grandchildren; and her four great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who were often in her thoughts.
Until we meet again, we will miss you so much. Thank you!
Services will be held in Deer Lodge at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at 11 a.m. A graveyard service will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, with a reception to follow at St. Mary’s Hall.
Donations can be made to your local food bank in memory of Marge Shandy. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Marge.

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​Marjie White Scharf
Marjie White Scharf passed away on Nov. 13, 2020. Jack and family request that you please come and celebrate Marjie’s life — to tell stories, remember good times, share laughs and get re-acquainted with old friends — on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at 1 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at the Broken Arrow in Deer Lodge.

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​Brian L. Johnson
Brian L. Johnson, age 73 of Deer Lodge, Montana, passed away on Sept. 13, 2021. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence, or to share a memory of Brian.